Modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for utility networks

Abstract

A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system provides a modular and scalable power conditioning system for utility networks. A configurable frame is coupled to an electrical input and an electrical output. A plurality of functional slots each including a receiving connector are coupled to the frame. One or more unique function subsystems are coupled to selected functional slots. Each unique function subsystem includes one or more electrical components coupled to the receiving connector of selected functional slots configured to define functional capability associated with the one or more functional slots. A plurality of identical power modules are disposed in selected functional slots of each of the one or more unique function subsystems. A controller coupled to each of the power modules is configured to enable the power modules in predetermined functional slots of the one or more unique subsystems to perform a predetermined function associated with the electrical input or the electrical output.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for utility networks, the system comprising:
 a configurable frame coupled to an electrical input and an electrical output; 
 a plurality of functional slots each including a receiving connector coupled to the frame; 
 one or more unique function subsystems each coupled to selected functional slots on one end and coupled only to the electrical input on the other end and one or more unique functional subsystems each coupled to selected functional slots on one end and coupled only to the electrical output on the other end, each unique function subsystem including one or more electrical components coupled to the receiving connector of selected functional slots configured to define functional capability associated with the one or more functional slots; 
 a plurality of identical power modules removably disposed inside and connected to selected functional slots of each of the one or more unique function subsystems; 
 a controller coupled to each of the inserted power modules configured to enable the power modules in said selected functional slots of the one or more unique function subsystems to perform a predetermined function associated with the electrical input or the electrical output. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  in which at least one of the unique function subsystems is configured as a pre-charger module for pre-charging a DC bus for each of the plurality of identical power modules and for providing isolation. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2  in which the pre-charger subsystem includes at least a coil, a contact, a plurality of switches, and a resistor. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1  in which the at least one of the unique function subsystems is configured as a VAR injector filter module configured to provide clean power to the electrical input. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4  in which the VAR injector filter module is configured to provide input harmonic current cancellation. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 4  in which the VAR injector filter module includes a filter. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 4  further including a capacitive bank subsystem coupled to the VAR injector filter module configured to provide additional capacitance needed for VAR injection. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1  in which at least one of the unique function subsystems includes a power regulation filter module configured to provide filtered voltage to the electrical output. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8  in which the power filter regulation module is configured to provide output voltage harmonic cancellation. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 8  in which the power regulation filter module includes an inductor and a capacitor configured as a filter. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 8  further including a series injector module configured to inject regulator voltage to the output electrical port to provide power regulation and provide bypass protection during an overload or failure of the system. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 11  in which the series injector module includes at least a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), a transformer, and a plurality of switches. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1  in which each of the plurality of power modules includes an output connector configured to connect to the receiving connector of a selected functional slot. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense the functional capability associated with each of the one or more unique functional subsystems. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense DC bus voltage of each of the power supply modules. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense the current in each of the power modules. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense the current from the electrical input. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense the current from the electrical output. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense the voltage from the electrical input. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense the voltage of the electrical input. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to sense the temperature of the system. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to control selected power modules to perform VAR injection. 
     
     
       23. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to control selected power modules to perform harmonic current cancellation. 
     
     
       24. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to control selected power modules to perform voltage regulation. 
     
     
       25. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to control selected power modules to perform harmonic voltage cancellation. 
     
     
       26. The system of  claim 1  in which each of the identical power modules includes a plurality of gate drives coupled to a plurality of switching transistors responsive to signals from the controller. 
     
     
       27. The system of claim of  claim 26  in which the controller is configured to generate control signals to each of the power modules to activate predetermined switching transistors of the power modules. 
     
     
       28. The system of  claim 27  in which the control signals include pulse wave modulation (PWM) signals. 
     
     
       29. The system of  claim 1  in which the controller is configured to generate control signals to control and define the one or more unique function subsystems. 
     
     
       30. The system of  claim 29  in which the control signals include pulse wave modulation (PWM) signals. 
     
     
       31. The system of  claim 1  in which selected components comprising unique function subsystems are located on the one or more of the identical power modules. 
     
     
       32. A modular, scalable, multi-function, power quality system for utility networks, the system comprising:
 a configurable frame coupled to an electrical input and an electrical output; 
 a plurality of functional slots each including a receiving connector coupled to the frame; 
 a VAR injector filter module coupled to selected functional slots on one end and coupled only to the electrical input on the other end, the VAR injector filter module including one or more electrical components coupled to the receiving connector of selected functional slots configured to provide clean power to the electrical input and one or more unique functional subsystems each coupled to selected functional slots on one end and coupled only to the electrical output on the other end; 
 a plurality of identical power modules removably disposed inside and connected to selected functional slots of the VAR injector filter module; and 
 a controller coupled to each of the inserted power modules configured to enable the power modules in predetermined functional slots of the VAR injector filter module to provide clean power to the electrical input.